Petticoat

Dateca. 1795

OriginAsia, China (silk); made and worn in America, Pennsylvania (petticoat)

MediumCream silk satin, silk ribbon, linen hem tape.

DimensionsOverall length at center back 41 1/2". Center front length 38 1/2". Waist 26 1/2". Silk selvage width 29 1/2". Circumference of skirt 114".

Credit LineGift of Titi Halle.

Object number2002-96

DescriptionWoman's unlined petticoat of cream satin. Pleated at the waist to folded-over ribbed silk ribbons that extend to tie closed at the sides. Double box pleats at center front, with remainder of half-inch pleats directed toward deep pocket slits on either side. Inverted box pleat at center back. Petticoat is made of four widths of 29 1/4-inch silk satin, seamed with running stitches. Three-quarter-inch wide linen tape hem facing. See 2002-95 for the matching bodice. Yellow selvages in the silk show repeated puncture marks characteristic of Chinese silks that use temple bars in weaving.
Label TextThis petticoat is said to be part of a wedding ensemble from the Plumstead / Ross family of Philadelphia. The ensemble was probably worn in 1795 by Anna Ross (1776-1846) when she married wealthy Philadelphia merchant George Plumstead (1765-1805).